Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Dogs truly are one of the best pets that anyone can have — their unwavering happiness and ability to make you smile is truly one of the best things about them! Many people, however, will adopt a furry friend without considering all of the things that dogs need to live a happy and healthy life. While dogs are great support animals and companions, they are living creatures that require basic needs. Keep reading to find out some key guidelines in keeping your dog on the path to wellness. If you’re looking to train your pup, then become a member with Speak Dog!™ Steve Lankfer, founder and CEO, is passionate about providing dog owners with the necessary tools for successfully training their pup. Find out more on our site! 

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

Many owners underestimate how important exercise is in order for dogs to stay healthy and happy. While they may seem completely happy laying on the floor all day, they crave exercise! Dogs that do not get enough exercise will often resort to destructive behavior, like chewing and barking. What’s more is that they may even develop anxiety because of the surplus of energy. Especially if you give your dog a healthy diet (which you should be), they will have a ton of energy. If they cannot release that energy through a simple walk around the neighborhood, or a game of fetch at the park, they will release the energy in other ways that usually lean towards behavioral problems. 

Provide Your Dog With A Nutritious Diet

Just like people, dogs need a well-balanced diet in order to be and feel healthy. Optimum nutrition is fundamental for all dogs, as it directly affects the dog’s skin, coat, weight, energy level, and gastrointestinal function. You can ask your vet about dog food that is particularly good for dogs, or choose a high-quality food made by a reputable company. What’s more is that dogs need a protein-rich diet that is low in carbs. There are tons of veggies that you can give your dog that will help them stay healthy, foods like:

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Brussel sprouts
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Broccoli

Once you choose a diet, pay attention to your pup and how they respond to it. Take note of their energy levels, a decrease or increase in weight, or even diarrhea or vomiting. 

Regular Grooming

Grooming isn’t just for show dogs, as all dogs require some level of upkeep to maintain their health. While it is true that grooming needs will depend on the breed, the average dog will benefit from a nail trim and a bath. Bathing your pup is essential, and you can customize your pup’s bathing routine for optimal results. For example, medicated shampoos are great for dogs with allergies or skin conditions, and oatmeal shampoos are designed to soothe mildly irritated skin. Include ear care in your pup’s routine as well, as ear cleaning can remove the buildup of wax, sebum, and debris, helping to prevent ear infections. 

Play With Your Dog

Most of the time, dogs are at home by themselves while we are at work or at school. During this time, they are isolated, not to mention bored of sleeping on the couch all day. Taking your dog outside and playing with them will fight the boredom that they felt all day while you were gone. Further, it helps strengthen the relationship dynamic between you and your pup. In their eyes, you are a friend, a leader, and something that they have fun with! Plus, this is a great way for your dog to enjoy some activity, which they crave constantly.  

Give Your Dog Purpose

Your dog probably doesn’t struggle with the meaning of life or their purpose for living, but your pup does get bored and will begin to act out if they aren’t being stimulated or challenged. Some things you can do to give your dog purpose is to bring them on errands with you. You can give them new toys and rotate out old ones so they experience something new, and have something to get excited about. You can introduce your dog to your friends and their pups, giving them the chance to make friends. Working on a new trick can even help in giving them purpose.